WELDED LINKS, 



7/ 



iY^ 



.yivu. p. ANNETTA PECKHAM. 



Morning awaking illumines the scene 
Where death had been reigning, angels convene, 
And in their chaste robes, to Mary, proclaim 
The links arc all welded in life's golden 
chain. 



THIRD EDITIOK 







NEW YORK : V^-o/ ^ ^ ^J^r 

Published by P. Annetta Peckham, 
1887. 



) / 



l*^ 



\ 



llw 



r'^l'A^ 






Entered according to Act of Congress in the years 1875, 1884, 1887, 

By p. ANNETTA PECKHAM, 

In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



INDEX 




Broken Links, . . . 


9 


Gone and Left Us, ... . . 


14 


Have We Treasures in Heaven? 


IG 


The Old Home, 


18 


Destiny, . . 


21 


CoNrENTMENT, 


23 


Abba Father, 


. 25 


They Have Borne Away My Treasure, 


. 27 


Sinai, 


29 


Where to Lay Me when I Die, 


. 31 


Life Harmonic, ....... 


33 


Loved and Lost, 


36 


The Hypochondriac, . , . . . 


88 


My Sister, 


40 


Let There be Light, ..... 


43 


The Sewing Girl, ...... 


47 


A Mother's Lament, 


50 


Magdalena, .... . . 


53 


A Common Heritage, . ... 


56 



IV indejc. 

rA6B 

The Origin of Life, 5'9 

In Memoriam, . .01 

At a Dilapidated Grave in Lone Mountain, . . t]3 

Mother, G5 

Can I BE Fickle, 67 

Things to Avoid, 70 

Oltr Darling, . . . . . . . .72 

A Wife's Plea, .75 

My Father's Grave, 79 

The Outcast, . 81 

I Wish I were Dead, 87 

California, . . ....... 90 

Another Outcast, 91 

To A Friend, 93 

Christmas, 95 

To A HusBANT), . ■ 97 

The Foundling, . . . - 99 

Three Links — Resignation, Faith and Hope, . .104 
To Masonry, . . . . . . . . 106 

Retrospection and Annunciation, . . .110 
Woman, 113 



INDKX. 



PAGE 

Night, 117 

Cast Your Bri:ad upon" thk AYaters, . . , 120 

Solar JRays, 124 

Decoration Day, 126 

Dedicated to the Author of Teuchsa Grondie, . 129 

Changing Seasons, 131 

Proverb, 132 

To A Pansy, 133 

Never Failing Guide, 130 

An Only Son, 139 

Maxim, 141 

Nothing but Ashes, 142 

First Great Cause, . 147 

Sabbath, 150 

Nothing Lost, 152 

The Serpent of the Still, 155 

Rum and its Victims, 158 

Woman's Work, 165 

Rum-Seller, 108 

God in Nature, 172 

American Slaves, 177 



VI 



INDEX. 



In Memory of H, C. K 
Woman's Appeal, . 
Upper Columbia River 
Our Country, 
Nature's Offering, 
Little Lost Boy, , 
Motto, 

Is There No God? 
Social Glass, 
Query, 



PAGE 

180 
182 
184 
187 
192 
195 
197 
198 
199 
202 



WELDED LINKS. 



BROKEN LINKS. 




FOWN in the valley, so humble and low, 
,^„% Where the cool, purling streamlets limpidly flow, 



ii 



]^ Sad hearts are sighing- from memory's refrain, 



For the links that are broken in life's golden 
chain. 



Up on the mountains, ambition is rife. 
And hearts are aglow with fervor and strife ; 
There, souls are weeping with anguish and pain. 
For the links that are broken, in life's golden 
chain. 



lO WELDED LINKS. 

In hovel and palace alike there Is woe, 
Death, on his mission, doth everywhere go ; 
No place so hallowed, but that there is pain, 
For the links that are broken, in life's golden 
chain. 



All over the land, wherever we roam, 
Or wherever man shall find him a home, 
Till the ending of time, he will complain 
For the links that are broken, in life's golden 
chain. 



God of our Fathers ! oh give us that rest, 
Where we may gather again to our breast, 
Each of our loved ones, so cruelly slain, 
And count the links perfect, in life's golden 
chain. 



BROKEN LINKS. I I 

Eve, in affliction, bowed down in her grief, 
Her only adornment a simple fig leaf; 
And in her bereavement, how sadly complained, 
For the links that were broken, in life's golden 
chain. 



She heard in the breath of the soft summer breeze, 
Wafting a message through fairest of trees — 
A shriek of distress, from over the plain, 
For the link that was broken, in life's golden 
chain. 



Her offspring dishonored, humbled in pride, 
While dark crimson stains his conscience luid dyed, 
And nature caught up the echoing strain, 
For tlic link that was broken in life's golden 
chain. 



12 WELDED LINKS. 

And bearing its tones through ambient air, 
Heaven heard the echo and wail of despair, 
And swift from His throne the Infinite came, 
For the link that was broken in life's golden 
chain. 

Down through the ages, the cycles of time 
Have borne on their pinions in every clime, 
Echoes from Eden, fresh freighted with pain. 
For the links that were broken in life's golden 
chain. 

Again, in a garden, the mightiest wail 
Which could the high courts of Heaven assail, 
Was wrung from the Son of God in His pain, 
For the link that seemed broken in life's golden 
chain. 



BROKEN LINKS. I3 

So great was the ang-uish, earth felt the pain, 
And In her convulsions, rocks rended in twain, 
And a pall hung o'er the dark Gethsemane, 
For the link that was broken in life's golden 
chain. 

Morning, awaking, illumines the scene, 
Where death had been reigning, angels convene, 
And in their chaste robes, to Mary, proclaim. 
The links are all welded in life's eolden 
chain. 



14 WELDED LINKS. 



GONE AND LEFT US. 

^^^ lf ONE, yes, he has gone, and left us, 
'^i In this world of pain and woe ; 
<*^^ Gone to join the hosts of Heaven, 
Where eternal pleasures flow. 

He has passed death's pearly portals, 
Passed the sentry at the gate, 

Passed into the life elysian, 
Where attendingf ana-els wait. 

There, the soul advances higher 
In each noble thought and aim; 

And the music of the lyre, 
Is the progress we attain. 



GONE AND LEFT US. 1 5 

Happy they, who've passed death's portals — 

Happy all who've gone before ; 
Death is but the open gate-way — 

To the joys of Heaven the door. 

Death, the kindly friend of mortals. 

Is no foe we should berate ; 
He gives a palace for a hovel, 
For filthy rags, a grand estate. 

He puts a crown on every forehead — 
A crown of bliss, that all can wear ; 
For in our Heavenly Father's mansion 
Every child may have a share. 

Then let us all, with kindly feeling. 

Pity each the other's woe ; 
And for every brother's error 

Let us great compassion show. 



l6 WELDED LINKS. 



HAVE WE TREASURES IN HEAVEN? 



>MV^V 



Lave we treasures in Heaven, laid up in store, 
(ijS^^ 'Gainst the time when earth shall know us no more? 
'Gainst the time when a summons shall call us away, 
To leave with our form but perishing clay? 
Have we treasures in Heaven? 



Have we treasures in Heaven, mortals of earth — 
Treasures awaiting our spiritual birth ? 
Treasures so precious, and of value so rare. 
Their worth shall conquer the fears of despair? 
Have we treasures in Heaven? 



HAVE WE TREASURES IN HEAVEN. I 7 

Have we treasures in Heaven? What have we done, 
To cause in our passport the welcome word "come"? 
Have we wiped off the tear from sorrowful eye? 
Or cheered the dark pathway of any who die? 
Have we treasures in Heaven? 

Have we treasures in Heaven? Comfort we here 
The weak and the weary, who tremble with fear ? 
And lift from the heart that's weighed down with care, 
The cause of its grief and cause of despair? 
Have we treasures in Heaven? 

Have we treasures in Heaven ? Mortals who weep 
For the loved ones who slumber in death's cold sleep? 
They wait you beyond, in that beautiful clime. 
Where they have o'ercome the sorrows of time. 
We have treasures in Heaven. 



1 8 WELDED LTNKS, 




THE OLD HOME. 

E CAME again where on':e was home : 
The rose its perfume shed. 

And lilies bloomed along the banks, 
Where water courses sped. 

The fish still played within the brook, 
And swam the pebbles o'er ; 

And birds still sang in every nook, 
The tunes they did of yore. 

The old house sat upon the hill 
The same as when a child ; 

The woodbine clambered o'er the door, 
Untrained, unkempt, and wild. 



THE OLD HOME. TQ 

The fence around the garden gate, 

Was also broken down ; 
The little steps I used to climb, 

Could now, no where be found. 

I thought the garden was not kept 

Just as it used to be ; 
The trees and shrubs were not well trimmed, 

At least, so seemed to me. 

I wandered in the little path, 

Up to the kitchen door ; 
A strange cat played upon the mat. 

Strange children on the floor. 

I looked around upon the wall. 

Strange pictures met my gaze ; 
And stranger faces on me looked, 

In still more stranoe amaze. 



20 WELDED LINKS. 

I asked them for the friends I loved, 
In early years gone by : 

These strangers, with averted look, 
And with a half drawn sigh, — 

But pointed to a distant hill, 

Where I some mounds could see ; 

And hence, the garden is not kept, 
Just as it used to be. 



DESTINY. 21 



DESTINY. 



Y what strange power to us is given, 
ff^pS^The life, for which we have not striven, 
't0^ Yet held responsible ? 



Developed from unconscious state, 
Brought into life a being great — 
Commensurate with God. 



This power which first our life controlled. 
Is the great Author of our soul ; 

And is our first prime cause: 
And shall He have of us less care. 
Since we His conscious creatures are, 

And He our Father God? 



22 WELDED LINKS. 

The world He holds at His command, 
Sun, moon and stars rest in His hand, 

And man His greatest care; 
Submissive to this God is man, 
And only second, in the plan 

Of all His wondrous works. 

Brought into life for noble cause, 
A part and parcel of God's laws. 

Which cannot be destroyed ; 
With His existence ours shall run, 
Though wane the earth and fade the sun, 

Triumphant still is man. 

What matter where in space he dwell, 
Jupiter, Venus, Mars, or hell, 

Since God reigns everywhere.'' 
He fills immensity ol space, 
Where He is not, there is no place, 

And where He is, there's Heaven. 



CONTENTMENT. 23 



CONTENTMENT. 



II ONTENTMENT'S found in perfect rest, 



W 



s^ 



Where all the passions of the breast 



e/^j^ 



^P Are fully satisfied ; 

^ No passion, thought, or good to gain, 
No filthy lucre to attain — 

Man sits him down to die. 



Without ambition in our life, 

The world would cease its busy strife, 

And man a slucro-ard be: 
The fields would ne'er produce their grain, 
Birds never sing a joyful strain. 

Nor children leap for joy. 



24 WELDED LINKS. 

The swelling sea would cease to moan, 
And utter never more a groan 

From out her heaving breast : 
Would never meet the sanded shore, 
With tiny wave or boisterous roar. 

If all were satisfied. 

God never rests, nor stands He still 
In all the workings of His will ; 

The worlds move on apace : 
Sun, moon and stars but circle round, 
As the Infinity hath found 

They best may serve His plan. 

Most wonderful in all this plan 

Of conscious thought, is restless man, 

With impress of Divinity ; 
And as his Maker does not rest. 
So in man's active, restless breast, 

Contentment is not found. 



ABBA FATHER. 25 




ABBA FATHER. 

LLIMITABLE, incomprehensible, something, 

Which we call God, 
Filling all space, abiding in all things, 
Moving the mighty universe — 

Noiseless and unseen ; 
Soul of all things. 

Essence of all life, 
Prime cause of all that was, and is to come; 
Whose home ! 

Is in the blade of grass. 

The trembling leaflet, 

And the boisterous sea. 



26 WELDED LINKS. 

Whose voice ! 
The infant's wail, 
The maiden's song, 
And thunder's loudest crash ; 

Whose breath ! 
May blast the fairest flower ; 

Whose look! 
May wither in an hour ; 
Whose love! 
None can compare ; 
Whose name — - 
Not knowing what to call, 
Creating each, and ruling all, 
We call him Abba Father. 



THEY HAVE BORNE AWAY MY TREASURE. 27 



THEY HAVE BORNE AWAY MY TREASURE. 
HEY have borne away my treasure — 



w^=E^ Borne my treasure far away, 

^ And have left him cold and lifeless, 



Where there's naught but common clay. 

They have borne away my treasure, 
Torn him from my fond embrace, 

And I saw him in a casket. 

Like a prison form encased. 

They have borne away my treasure. 

Rudely sundered every tie ; 
Lacerated all the feelings, 

Which in human bosoms lie. 



28 WELDED LINKS. 

They have borne away my treasure, 
Mystic forms I could not see — 

Borne him to a blessed Eden, 
Where he only waits for me. 

They have borne away my treasure — 
There are treasures gone before, 

And I know they're waiting for me, 
Waiting on the mystic shore. 



SINAI, 



29 



--»-- ^ 




SINAI. 



HE vaulted heavens trembled with fear, 



:^^When God on Sinai appeared, 
v^- And Moses wrote the law. 

The earth with dreadful terror shook, 
And Moses dared not even look, 

From whence the voice came forth. 

The sleeping rocks heard his command. 
And passive did not dare to stand 

Before his majesty ; 
They raised their heads, and bowed in fear, 
While on their stolid breasts, appeared 

God's holy written law. 



30 WELDED LINKS. 

The sacred Mount, too, hid her face, 
And trembled in her rocky base. 

When God her bosom pressed; 
She vailed her face in smoke, and fire. 
As louder rung the mystic lyre. 

Throughout eternal space. 

Thunders, and lightning rent the air — 
God's awful majesty was there — 

Loud blew the trumpet blast ; 
The people quaked with dreadful fear, 
Nor to the mountain dare draw near, 

But moved them far away. 

Darkness obscured each ray of light, 
And, in the smoking mountain height, 

Moses drew near to God ; 
His high behest to him was given — 
The law to man, from God in heaven, 

Was given on Sinai. 



WHERE TO LAV ME WHEN I DIE. 3 1 




WHERE TO LAY ME WHEN 1 DIE. 

OT where gay and gorgeous splendor, 

Rear their palaces around, 
Nor where architectural beauty. 

Decorates the sacred mound. 

But where humble bells are chiming, 

jMusic sweet doth softly flow, 
Where the birds shall sing their carols, 

PVee from sorrow, pain and woe. 

Where the wild flowers shed their fragrance, 

On the summer's balmy air. 
Where there's laughing, limpid streamlets — 

When I die, please lay me there. 



32 WELDED LINKS. 

Lay me where the fragrant flowers, 
Bloom above my lonely head ; 

Where the grass shall wave my welcome- 
Wave a welcome for the dead. 



THE LIFE HARMONIC. 



33 



THE LIFE HARMONIC. 




HAT consolation it doth lend, 
To know we have a human friend, 
\^/hose impulse is at least in part, 

Accordant with our own. 
How then, we brave the ills of life, 
Through all the weary, anxious strife. 
Of time's eventful years. 



What hope, what cheer, rise in the soul, 
As we approach the final goal 

Of life's supreme delight ; 
Where human friendship does not end, 
Where friend in concert with a friend, 

Pursue their course too^ether. 



34 WELDED LINKS. 

This was the bliss that Eden knew, 
Whose fruits, supernal ever grew 

Upon the tree of life. 
'Tis this, that makes the roses bloom, 
And gives to each their sweet perfume, 

That scents the morning air. 

'Tis this, that gives the violet's hue. 
And beauty in the sparkling dew. 

Before the rising sun. 
'Tis this that weaves the woof of day. 
And by the sun's effulgent ray 

Dispels the gloom of night. 

'Tis this harmonic life within, 
That compensates for all of sin, 

From which we suffer here ; 
It makes the crooked pathway straight. 
And in the things we loathe, and hate. 

Find something- to admire. 



THE LIFE HARMONIC 35 

It turns the world all upside down, 
In theories on which we frown, 

Still find there's something^ crood. 
Poor Judas served a purpose well, 
And Peter, who a lie did tell, 

Was still beloved of God. 

God's handiwork the worlds proclaim; 
'Twas by His fiat that there came 

Each creature into life ; 
And in his sphere, each praise his God 
As perfectly as they who've trod 

The better walks of life. 



36 WELDED LINKS. 



LOVED AND LOST. 




1^ ID he love me ? ah well I knew, 



^'-m^ Than his, was never love more true ; 
And he could tell by the swelling sigh, 
That none, more truly loved than I. 

Our souls like one, were knit together, 
In bonds so strong that none could sever, 
Nor is there aught of human ill. 
That can such true devotion chill. 

Fierce tempests hurled their rudest blast, 
And in our souls, dark shadows cast. 
Which love, with all her potent power. 
Could not dispel, in that dread hour. 



LOVED AND LOST. 17 

Thus stood we helpless in the gale, 
Which did two loving souls assail ; 
And calmly looked at the frowning sky, 
Which brought but sure destruction nigh. 

He drew me closer to his breast, 
His lips on mine a kiss impressed, 
And in that last farewell embrace 
My bitter tears bedewed his face. 

With anguish then, my soul was wrung, 
Hopes, to the bitter winds were flung. 
Birds told of sorrow when they sung, 
And life indeed was desolate. 



;^S WELDED LINKS. 



THE HYPOCHONDRIAC. 



"l^&P EAD to me all of life's treasures. 




ll^^m, Dead, the friends of life's early morn, 
^ Dead to me life's joys and sorrows, 

Dead to me, its rose and its thorn. 



Dead to me, sunshine and shadow, 

Dead to me, life's tempest and storm, 

Dead to me all of life's pleasures, 

Dead, are all I've cherished so long. 

Dead to me, the sneer of kindred, 

Dead the taunt of life's jolly throng ; 

Dead to me the purling streamlet. 
Dead to me the music of sonof. 



THE IIVPOCHONDRIAC. 39 

Dead to me the glee of childhood, 

Dead to me the beauty of youth, 
Dead, all the grandeur of manhood, 

Dead to me pure womanly worth. 

Dead, to every aspiration. 

Dead, to every noble aim ; 
Dead, but to the hell within me, 

Dead hangs the pall upon my brain. 

What a curse must be this fellow — 

What a blight upon the earth — 
What a walking, stalking shadow. 

To have had from woman birth. 



40 WELDED LINKS. 



MY SISTER. 



^^Y sister was swe-et and charmingly fair 
^^^With eyes like diamonds, and light golden hair ; 
v^^'"^ \ Her mouth was encircled with jewels of pearl, 
And she was an artless, and innocent girl. 

My sister was good, none purer than she, 
For she was as pure as Heaven could be ; 
The breath of her soul, was fragrance so sweet, 
That aneels migfht even bow down at her feet. 

She saw but in man, the good, and the fair, 
Nor dreamed that her soul could taste of despair; 
She thou!Tfht that the world was an Eden of bliss, 
Nor dreamed that a serpent might lurk in a kiss. 



MY SISTER. 41 

She thought that the world was the fairest of bowers, 
And had not a thorn 'monof all its flowers ; 
She dreamed that their fragrance only would shed, 
Like perfume from heaven, a crown on her head. 

She thouQrht that in man was nothinof but truth 
And yielded to him all the beauty of youth ; 
Gave up her soul, with all that was fair, 
And reaped but the fruits of bitter despair. 

My sister Is scorned, and hissed with contempt — 
This beautiful flower the tempest has bent ; 
Bowed is her head, in the deepest of woe. 
Which into the soul of a woman can flow. 

The rose in her cheek is pale with despair. 
And the light in her eye has faded with care , 
She sees in the world but darkness and gloom. 
And her Eden of bliss turned into a tomb. 



42 



WELDED LINKS. 



My sister ! ah who can deny her the name ? 
Where is the first one to censure or blame ? 
If Jesus were here, I think He alone 
Might faultlessly cast at my sister a stone. 



LET THERE BE LIGHT. 43 



LET THERE BE LIGHT. 



|Sf ET there be light ! 
^M And there was heard, 



i^ A breath along the leaden air 

^*) Which stirred it into life. 

It pierced tlie deadly, deepest gloom, 
Which made this world a mouldering tomb 
Without an occupant. 

Let there be light ! 
And with it came 
Unnumbered forms of every name, 

Filline the earth and air; 
And that which just before, had been 
A shapeless, lifeless, useless thing. 
Now bore a beauteous form. 



44 WELDED LINKS. 

Let there be light! 
Again was heard ; 
And darkness from its depths was stirred- 

Man came upon the scene: 
A being likened unto God, 
And pure as they who first had trod 
The upper courts of Heaven. 

Let there be light! 
And man was crowned ; 
With solemn stillness all around, 

A fairy creature came: 
Her form was shapely and divine, 
More beautiful than all the kind 

Which peopled earth or Heaven. 

Let there be light! 
Harmonic force, 
In all the beauties of its course. 
Produced 2. perfect man; 



LET THERE BE LIGHT. 45 



Though in an humble manger born, 

The Eastern star the place adorned, 

And shone o'er Nazareth. 



Let there be light ! 
And swiftly came 
From science, and from art a flame 

Which set the world aglow ; 
Its silver beams and golden ray 
Dispelled the clouds, and mists away, 
Which shrouded human minds. 



Let there be light ! 
Intolerance fled ; 
And persecution's direful tread 
No more caused dread alarm. 

The reckless, clamorous, thoughtless clan. 
Became as peaceful as a lamb. 
By truth and science led. 



46 WELDED LINKS. 

Let there be light! 
And from his throne, 
The Demon, which the world had owned 

And worshiped as a God, 
Now, sank into oblivious shade, 
While science truthfully displayed 
A God who rules with love. 



THE SEWING GIRL. 



47 



THE SEWING GIRL. 



ijf God ! she cried, is there no rest? 
Can I no comfort find ? 



Lp-' And must I thus forever stitch, 
Stitch on until I'm blind ? 



'Twas ten o'clock! a winter's night — 
This poor girl sat and sewed, 

Till blinding tears her eyes had wet, 
But yet she sewed, she sewed. 



O God ! she said, that bread and fire 
Should be so dearly bought. 

So many stitches one must take, 
And for so little wrouo-ht. 



48 WELDED LINKS. 

The deadly paleness in her face, 

Still seemed to grow more white ; 

While the dazzling brightness of her eyes 
Outshone the stars of night. 

Her tears fell fast, but faster still 
Her thread and needle flew, 

Till every flounce was in its place, 

Frills, placed where they were due. 

Thus, pieces lovely garments wrought ; 
But lovelier far is she, 
Than brilliant gems, or diadems 
Brought from fair India's sea. 

Her pearly fingers, sylph-like form. 
Would feast an artist's eye, 

While the matchless beauty of her face, 
Would with an angel's vie. 



THE SEWING GIRL. 49 

But yet this fair)' creature toils, 

To gain her scanty bread ; 
While poodle dogs in laps are held, 

And bounteously fed. 

O God! she cried, can this be rig'lit, 

To heap so much of woe 
On gentle woman's loving heart, 

While dogs are pampered so? 

She would not 'gainst God's law rebel, 

Nor taste unholy bread; 
Although her soul was famishing 

For what to dogs was fed. 

O Anscels! should she chance to err — 

God only knows, she may, — 
Let not her scribe who writes in Heaven, 

Keep record of the day. 



50 WELDED LINKS. 



A MOTHER'S LAMENT. 



^^M MIGHT not with such strength of will 
have loved, 



g* Could I have known, that direful fate 
^ would blast 

So sweet, and fair a flower. 



I conned the precious treasure o'er — 

'twas mine, 
And in my heart, laid up full store 

of love, 
For years that might come after. 



A mother's lament. 51 

I watched her every waking hour 

with joy, 
And thought I ne'er had seen a flower 

so sweet, 
Nor yet one half so pretty. 

No mother's love could be more strong 

than mine — 
'Twas essence from the love divine 

for one. 
Whom none was more deserving. 

She seemed of me to be a part, 

and was 
The sum, and substance of my heart ; 

she made 
My home a blissful Eden. 



52 WELDED LINKS. 

Yet she did not belong to earth, 

and hence, 
The angels sought her from her birth, 

Heaven 
Was incomplete without her. 

The favored moment came at last, 

and then 
They took my darling, and with her, 

have passed 
Beyond the darksome river. 



MAGDALENA. 



53 



MAGDALENA. 




ITH the anoruish of her soul's unrest, 
And hands clasped closely on her breast, 
She raised her longing eyes to Mcaven, 
In search of peace, earth hath not given, 



She lonorinor looked to the ether blue, 
Where anofels seemed herself to view, 
And wondered if their home so bright, 
Might give her soul some ray of light. 



And she clearly saw some garments fair, 
Which looked like those she used to wear 
And with her eyes thus fixed on Heaven, 
A matchless charm to her was given. 



54 WELDED LINKS. 

Oh, her robes with scarlet stains were full, 

Yet they became as white as wool ; 

And for her anguish and unrest, 

The peace of Heaven possessed her breast, 

While looking still to the pearly height. 
Another form appeared in sight. 
Whose bleeding hands, and feet, and side, 
Proclaimed for sinners He had died. 

'Twas at the word of His command, 
There came from Heaven a shining band, 
And each one bore a royal crown, 
For such as were with orief bowed down. 



£3 



"Reach forth thy hand, a crown is thine;" 
Were ever words like these sublime? 
"The righteous came I not to save." 
But sinners freely He forgave. 



MAGDALENA. 55 



O Magdalene, and sinners all, 
Who from your high estate did fall, 
Here's loving kindness, full and free, 
To wash all guilt from you and me. 

The righteous have no need of Him 
'Tis only they who've tasted sin. 
For whom our Savior cried — 
"Eloi! Eloi! Sabachthani ! " 
And bowed His head and died 



56 WELDED LINKS. 



A COMMON HERITAGE. 



m^ 



igl XULTANT Monarch! bend your head, 
I Why thy proud look and stately tread ? 



Why thy imperious, haughty will ? 
Thou dost a small commission fill. 



IL 

Wherefore the words of thy command ? 
Thou art a serf upon the land ; 
And even to thy utmost hour — 
The mandates of a higher power 

IIL 

Shall rule thee with a mightier hand 
Than any power thou canst command ; 
Yea ! even to thy latest breath, 
When holding converse with King Death 



A COMMON HERITAGE. 57 

IV. 

Thou still shalt feel this mighty law 
Before which nations bend in awe; 
And thou shalt own this power divine, 
And bowing, worship at its shrine. 

V. 

Then, boast not of thy high estate, 
For but one cause thou canst be great. 
And that all men may claim. 
'Tis that Jehovah's signet's worn 
By all mankind, however shorn 

Of worldly pomp, and gain. 

VI. 

'Twas by a Master Workman's art, 
That every brow and every heart 
Is more or less divine. 
And man is either great or small, 
As he partakes of what to all, 
An Infinite hath given. 



WELDED LINKS. 
VIL 

A common heritage hath all, 
Jehovah God, hath deigned to call 
Each, of mankind His child ; 
And to each one a crown hath given. 
That In the summing up In Heaven 
There might not one be lost. 

VIIL 

Then, let oblations rise in praise, 
To Him, who's numbered all our days, 
And made His work complete : 
The richest tribute we can bring, 
Is reverence for our God and King 
With love for all mankind. 



THE ORIGIN OF LIFE. 59 



THE ORIGIN OF LIFE. 



f HE race of life, where hath its bound ? 



S^^Its beginning, where is it found? 

Or whence its course doth flow? 
In what dark age had spirit birth? 
Was it before there was on earth? 

Or life in empty air? 

What womb of space with pregnant air 
First found intelligence was there, 

And thought was brought to life? 
Was it before the shining sun's 
Creative light began to run? 

Nor moon, nor stars there were? 



6o WELDED LINKS. 

How grand the thought, how deep, how wide; 
How fathomless thou spirit Bride, 

First in the womb of Time : 
Unnumbered ages have grown old, 
Since first the spirit birth was told, 

And God reigned every-where. 

Eternal too, shall be the flow 
Of mystic ages, where we go 

When life's full course is run ; 
'Tis not for mortals to divine 
The space in which there is no time, 

And day no night may know. 

There cycles unto cycles roll, 
While countless ages, shall unfold 

Their own great truths to man ; 
Infinite space he shall explore 
And traverse every shining shore. 

With God Supreme o'er all 



IN MEMORIAM. 



6i 




IN MEMORIAM.* 

HAT dread alarm is this I hear? 
What wail is this breaks on my ear? 
^§^ Hath death, in unexpected hour, 

Mowed down another lovely flower ? 

And hath the reaper gone his round 
When friendly aid could not be found, 
And with his scythe cut down the fair? 
Was this the wail broke on the air ? 

Was no one there to smooth her brow. 
No one to kiss or comfort now? 
No one to give a word of cheer 
When cruel Death was drawing near ? 



* Of Mrs. E. A. C, who was stricken down in an epileptic fit "From the blooiu of health 
to the pallor of death " at the Russ House, San Francisco, May 11th, 1SV4. 



62 WELDED LINKS. 

No husband with a loving heart 
To ward away Death's cruel dart? 
No Father ! Mother! Sister dear — 
Did no one then to her appear? 

No one ! No one! How can it be 
That one so good and kind as she 
Should die alone ? and no one near 
To dissipate her every fear ? 

Though human aid could not be found 
Angelic hosts did her surround; 
And with her passed the lonely vale, 
Where Death can never more assail. 



Then weep her not ! though sad and dreai 
May be your homes without her here : 
What she has gained, is richer far 
Than all of earthly treasures are. 



AT A DILAPIDATED GRAVE. 03 



ri 



AT A DILAPIDATED GRAVE IN LONE 
MOUNTAIN. 



^ 



I HOU may'st have struggled long and well 
To gain ambition, fame ; 
Yet thou hast scarcely left behind 
The memory of thy name. 

Is this the end.? the final sum 

That man may hope to gain ? 

The recompense for all his cares — 
Reward for all his pain? 

A narrow house, so closely built 

That one can't turn him round? 

And even that encased in earth, 
Full six feet under ground? 



£*4 WELDED LINKS. 

Where creeping worms of slimy form 
May crawl his body o'er ; 

And human friends look on his face, 
Ah ! never, never more? 

Shut out from all the world of light, 
From glory and from fame, 

With single slab above his head, 
On which inscribed his name ? 

If this be all ! the final sum 
That's left us to attain, 

How truly wretched then are we 
How well we may complain. 



MOTHER. 65 



MOTHER. 

'S^^f H AT name on earth, is there so dear 
l^^l As the sacred name, Mother ? 
^I^f^ What other word, can have the cheer 
To soothe our brow and dry the tear, 
Like the dear word. Mother ? 

Oh tell me where in Heaven, or Earth, 

Another name is found, 
So filled with hallowed memories 
And with such joyous sound, 

As that dear name. Mother? 

What other name can wanderers hear 

In distant, foreign climes. 
To CTive fresh memories of home 
Like that dear name of thine, Mother, 
Like that dear name of thine ? 



66 WELDED LINKS. 

What other name can have the power 

To check a wild career ? 
And lead us back from untouched sin, 
As the name we all revere, 

Of blessed Mother dear ? 

What other. name can melt the heart 
That's hardened been by crime ? 
And give contrition to the soul, 
Like that loved name of thine, Mother, 
Like that loved name of thine? 

Dearest Mother, thy precious name 
Shall fall from lips in prayer; 

That God will keep thee safe from harm. 
And shield thee, every-where, 
And shield thee, every-where. 



CAN I BE FICKLE. 67 



>c 



CAN I BE FICKLE? 



"I^^EAR one, could 1 for sure depend 

fc That thou wouldst love till life sho-uld end 
1^ Its weary pilgrimage, 

I'd seek no other place to rest 
My bruised heart or aching breast, 
But in thy fond embrace. 

I'd look me to no other sky 

Than that in which thy charming eye 

Would give my soul its light ; 
I d look me for no other joy 
Than that which should my soul employ. 

Forever loving thee. 



68 WELDED LINKS. 

I'd twine the tendrils of my heart 

Where thou shouldst share the greater part 

And be my chief delight ; 
I'd have one thought, and that of thee, 
That where thou wert, there I might be, 

And from thee never part. 

No breath should cool my heated brow 
But that which did thy love endow, 

And wert of thee a part ; 
No lips should press their nectar sweet 
Where mine, in unison should meet 

Companionship of soul. 

No other voice should charm my ear, 
Be thou soever far or near, 

I still would faithful be ; 
No other form should please my eye, 
For thee, I evermore would sigh 

And loving worship thee. 



CAN I BE FICKLE. 69 



I'd ask no other earthly gain, 
Forego all pleasure, bear all pain 

To share thy love alone; 
And only fickle would I be, 
When feeling thou hast set me free 

In loving yet another. 



7© WELDED LINKS. 



v.fe 



THINGS TO AVOID. 



WO things in life, there's to avoid ; 



^=e| Their steps, take hold on hell ; 

•|^- They'll prey upon your vital force. 

And sound your funeral knell. 



They'll fill your bodies with disease. 
And worse, pollute your soul ; 

They'll rob you of life's happiness, 
Your comfort, and repose. 

They*ll sever home, and family ties, 
And give a mortal sting; 

Nor can the smallest solace give, 
For the misery they bring. 



THINGS TO AVOID. 71 

Twin Sisters these two vices are, 

They flourish as the rose ; 
They'll stamp their imprint on your face, 

Dishonor on life's close. 

There's no disguise can hide the fact, 

If these, are chosen friends; 
Though frailty 's weak, she still is strong 

In accomplishing her ends. 



72 



WELDED LINKS. 



OUR DARLING. 




jfE miss him! we miss him our darling, 
We miss his sweet prattle and glee ; 
iH^'^ And we long once more to behold him, 
Our darling that's over the sea. 



The cot, and the cradle are empty ; 
The bat, and the ball on the floor. 
And the drum, is still where he left it. 
For Freddie will use them no more. 



The birds, when they sing their sweet carols- 
Sing lonely, and sadly to me; 

And my heart, seems bursting with anguish, 
For Freddie far over the sea. 



OUR DARLING, y^ 

The morning- now dawns on us sadly, 

Our souls with a weight is oppressed ; 

Our darling, we never may see him 

Nor clasp his loved form to our breast. 

The Angels, they came with a whisper — 
So quiet none heard them but he; 

He listened to what they said to him, 
And with them, passed over the sea. 

O Angels ! come, once again whisper, 

And this time, please whisper to me; 

And bring me some news from my darling. 
My darling that's over the sea. 

O tell me, if baby is wishing 

His mamma would come to him soon, 
And if in his beautiful heaven 

For all there is plenty of room. 



74 WELDED LINKS. 

Angels ! who cares for my baby ? 

Have you a blest seraph so fair 
That, by her sweet, tender caresses, 

He thinks his dear mamma is there? 

1 know that I hear, when I listen. 

Sweet music from over the sea ; 
'Tis Angels, a lullaby singing, 
And baby is thinking it's me. 



A WIFE S PLEA. 75 



A WIFE'S PLEA. 

Dedicated to Mrs. Britannia Plinny Powers, of Detroit, Michigan. 

^^ EAVE me in the early spring-time, 

When all nature's bright and gay; 
Leave me when the sun in splendor 
Drives the shades of night away. 

Leave me when thine eyes are brightest, 
When the bloom is on thy check; 

Leave me when thy perfect manhood 
Health and beauty shall bespeak. 

Leave me when the sky is clearest. 

When life's stars full brightly shine; 

Leave me when thou art the dearest; 
Leave mc when Lm wholly thine. 




76 WELDED LINKS. 

Leave me when the world shall woo me, 
While its charms my soul engage; 

Leave me in my health and vigor; 
Leave me not in crippled age. 

If thou must, O darling, leave me, 
Ere the shadows thickly fall, 

Leave me when the bloom of summer 
May bedeck thy fun'ral pall. 

Leave, oh! leave me not, my darling, 

Though the blossoms bloom or fade; 

Summer suns would pale and darken; 
Deepest gloom my spirit shade. 

Death would spread its sable mantle 
O'er the scenes which I hold dear; 

And though all the world were joyous, 
My soul would be a fun'ral bier. 



A \VIFES PLEA. " 'J'] 

Leave me, darling, leave me never ! 

Fold me in your warm embrace, 
Shield me from life's storms and battles, 

Press me closer to 3our face ! 

Leave me not, oh, leave me never ! 

Let my heart beat close to thine, 
While your lips with love's sweet fragrance, 

Press their kisses upon mine. 

Leave me not, oh, never ! never ! 

Sever not life's bright golden chain ! 
What were all the joys of Eden 

Should I not thy love retain ' 

Other ones might smile to woo me, 

Other hands extend for mine ; 
But if thou with death wert sleeping, 

My stricken heart would still be thine. 



WELDED LINKS. 

Leave me not, whate're the seasons, 

In bloom of youth or trembHng age; 

Shine the sun howe'er so brightly, 

Its beams could not m)' grief assuage. 

Leave me not, oh, darling, never ! 

Ashes may unto ashes turn, — 
But in spirit come thou to me ; 

For I would still thy form discern. 



MY FATHERS GRAVE. 79 



MY FATHER'S GRAVE. 



fe^ji'li HAT pang- on earth is there so great, 
•§l:^-v,>?cj? As that which pierced me sore, 

When a loving Father bowed his head, 
And was of earth no more? 



That pang sank deep into my soul ; 

The joyous world seemed drear; 
My heart was wrung with agony, 

Tear followed bitter tear. 

Fond recollections rise afresh. 

But how their mem'ries sting; 

No loving thought, or word, or deed, 
Can aught of solace bring. 



8o WELDED LINKS. 

Such hopeless grief is this we feel, 
None with it can compare; 

For who may give us back our dead? 
Who lighten our despair? 

The grass shall wave above his tomb ; 

The winds shall moan, and sigh ; 
Him shall we never see again. 

Nor feel his presence nigh. 

Autumnal rains shall shed their tears 
Upon his lonely tomb; 

And winter winds shall sing his dirge 
For ages yet to come. 



THE OUTCAST. 8 1 




THE OUTCAST. 

^HE died all alone, 
•^^ And no one was near, 
To shed for this Outcast 
A pitying tear, 
Or pillow her comfortless head. 

She died all alone, 
In darkness of night, 

The stars looked down on this 
Pitiable sight — 
In wretchedness, want and in woe. 



82 WELDED LINKS. 

She died all alone; 

Poor child of despair; 
Was freiofhted with o-rief, 
And laden with care — 
Weighed down with the guilt of her soul. 

She thought of her home, 
And days of her youth ; 
Unblemished her soul, 
And spotless as truth 
Was her blush, in life's early morn. 

But came there an hour 

When, tempted by sin. 
Like mortal, she fell 

From sin unto sin, 
And drank of the wormwood and gall. 



THE OUTCAST. 

She tasted the dregs 
Of the bottomless pit; 

Cast out from the world — 
A thing, that's unfit 
To mix with the rest of mankind. 



They buffet and hoot 

This child, in her crime; 
More guilty are they 
In eyes just, divine, 
Than she whom they scorn in her woe. 



Speak kindly to such, 
And lighten their care ; 

Tell them there is hope 
For those in despair ; 



83 



84 WELDED LINKS. 

Tell them, though erring, 
That they may regain 

Woman's high crowning; 
But which, to attain, 



They must abandon 
The highways of shame, 

And ofo, crown themselves 
Pure women ag^ain. 



She wandered from home, 

Denying her name ; 
She would not pollute 
Her parents' fair fame, 
Nor mantle their cheeks with a blush. 



THE OUTCAST. 85 

She buried her grief, 

And sank in her shame; 
Down, down to the depths 
She suddenly came, 
And wondered if God was severe. 

She raised up her eyes, 

To offer a prayer. 
But faltered her tongue ; 
' Twas mute with despair, 
Though Angels were waiting to save. 

Her prayer was a sigh 

That God would be kind, 
And hide in darkness 
Her sins from her mind, 
And give her composure and rest. 



86 WELDED LINKS. 

She longed for waters ; 

Stepped into the pool ; 
Drank of the fountain ; 

Was washed and made whole- 
With Angels drew nearer to God. 

Was heard there a sound 

In Heaven so clear, 
As when this sinner, 
Repentant, drew near. 
To sit at the feet of the Lamb ? 

Clothed in new garments, 

With never a stain, 
Came, as a Seraph 

Or brisfht AnQ^el came — 
For God is foreivine to all. 



"I WISH I WERE DEAD." Sy 



«I WISH I WERE DEAD." 




I WISH I were dead!" 

« ^ ><•':; How carelessly said, 

^•'^ One bright and early morning. 



\ Wis 



sh to be dead in summer time? 
While life is scarcely in its prime.'* 
Ere thy sun to noon has risen .^ 

Wish to be dead! 

How careless said — 
How lightly it was spoken; 
The summers' suns have ris'n and set, 
In years but twenty-three, as yet, 
And shone upon your head. 



88 WELDED LINKS. 

Wish to be dead! 

For what wouldst die? 
Hast thou no aim for which to sigh, 
No object yet ere thou shalt die, 
No purpose to attain? 

Wish to be dead ! 

Hast thou fulfilled 
The object of thy Father's will, 
For which He sent thee here? 
Is there no hope, thy soul to thrill — 
No mission in thy life to fill — 
That thou shouldst wish to die? 

Wish to be dead"! 

Ah ! say it not ; 
It cannot be thou hast forgot 
There's seed and harvest time : — 



"I WISH I WERE DEAD." 89 

The sun may hide his golden rays, 
But yet there's plentitude of days 
In which to prosper here. 

Wish to be dead ! 

Thou hast no right 
To wish that all this world of light 
Were shut from out thy life — 
This precious life thy God hath given; 
And in thy aim if thou hast striven 
To do His purpose well, 
He'll crown thee with immortal life. 
And thou shalt dwell where there's no strife. 
In all the courts of Heaven. 



90 



WELDED LINKS. 



CALIFORNIA. 



*^^5. 




Glorious land, where the sun sinks to rest 
in the genial folds of Nature's warm breast; 
j\f And, resting his feet In the pulsating sea, 
j Comes with the morning, all radiant with glee, 
And wooes me back to thy Eden of bliss, 
Where Nature tempts Heaven with her balmiest kiss. 



ANOTHER OUTCAST. 91 




ANOTHER OUTCAST. 

NOT HER outcast, great God ! here is found, 
'With naught for her bed but comfortless ground ; 
iisT With naught to shelter, or shield her from cold — 
The buffets of men, and scorn of the world. 

Eyes, once like diamonds, outrivaled the stars ; 
Soul, pure as Venus, and lovely as Mars; 
Moulded her figure, by genius and grace, 
And carved in beauty, each line of her face. 

Pity her, Seraphs, oh, pity! I cried; 

Pity her, Jesus, in sin though she died ! 

Though wandered from home like Prodigal Son — 

Pity her. Father ! she still is Thine own. 



92 WELDED LINKS. 

Oh ! save her to-night, though living or dead, 
And, Heaven's pure Angels, shed tears on her head. 
Oh ! pity her, God, wherever she's found, 
And let not a curse cry out from the ground. 

Though marked, as was Cain, on forehead and brow. 
Once stainless her soul — oh, that it were now ! 
Canst Thou not shrive her, dear Lord, as of yore, 
And bid her in peace, go and sin never more? 

Jesus, our Saviour! she's praying to Thee — 

She's heard of Thy love, and dark Calvary ; 

She's heard of Thy groans, and tears Thou didst shed 

For those who in sin and trespass were dead. 

She's heard that Thou lovest and still art with men ; 
Dost love and forgive, though sinners they've been. 
Jesus, forgive her, wash out her stain ; 
Crown her, though fallen, Thy kindred again. 



TO A FRIEND 93 




TO A FRIEND. 

^EM'RY, dear Memory, 
E'er faithful and true, 
Brings a halo of glory 
Y^ When thinking of you. 

The past and the present, 

Too full for despair, 
Bid me hope for the future, 

And wrestle with care ; 
Bid me bury the past 

As something that's dead ; 
Only live for the present, 
Let dead bury the dead. 



94 WELDED LINKS. 

Yet one press of thy hand, 

One look from thine eye, 
Just one comforting word — 

To know that a sigh 
Is upwelling for me — 

Life's ills would dispel, 
And brighten the future. 

Then tell me, ah ! tell, 
If of me thou dost think, 

If still in thy heart 
There remains but one link 

Which binds me to thee. 



CHRISTMAS. 95 




CHRISTMAS. 

I ING out the bells, the merry bells, 
I Each joyous Christmas bell ; 
N Ring out o'er all the happy land, 
Your joyous tidings tell. 

Ring out, ring out with joyous strain. 

Peal forth in loud acclaim ; 
This is the year of jubilee. 

Glad tidings now proclaini. 

Good will and peace reign o'er the land ; 

No warrior's tramp is heard; 
From East to West, from North to South, 

Send forth the joyous word. 



96 WELDED LINKS. 

Ring out the call, the loving call, 
That summons friends together. 

And there let each in union clasp 
The other as his brother. 

Ring forth, ring forth in every heart, 
Ring forth a song of praise 

To Him, the ever living God, 
The Ancient One of days. 



TO A HUSBAND. 97 







TO A HUSBAND. 

AY thine eye never shine less brightly than now, 
^ Nor the rose in thy cheek become dim, 
Nor furrow e'er wrinkle thy fair marble brow, 
Nor a passion provoke thee to sin. 



No tempter allure from the home thou hast loved, 
From the wife and the child thou hast blest ; 

Ne'er permit any other to pillow her head 
Where the wife of thy bosom should rest. 

Oh, look not on her who would tempt thee to stray, — 

On the form that bewitching, allures; 
She's charms that may last scarce a full, fleeting day, 

And their pleasures may tarnish thy years. 



98 WELDED LINKS. 

Look not on the wine when it sparkles so red, 
Nor once taste of the full, flowing bowl : 

'Twill lessen the beauty and grace of thy head, 
And the charm of thy generous soul. 



THE FOUNDLING. 



99 



THE FOUNDLING. 

HOSE child is this? 
The Foundlings' Home 
Hath found another charge- 
Drifting on the sea of life — 
A frail and tiny barge. 




Whose child is this? 

A tender waif 
Bereft of father love ; 

None to guide its little feet, 
Save Him who rules above. 



POO WELDED LINKS. 

\ Whose child is this? 

What mother love 
Hath been so turned to stone? 

How could she thus leave her child 
Abandoned and alone? 

Whose child is this? 

Ah ! who can tell 
What sea of human woe 

'Whelmed in sorrow mother love, 
In its divinest flow. 

Whose child is this? 

But here's a card 
Upon the little waif, 

Written in the finest hand 
Which woman's pen could trace. 



THE FOUNDLING. lOl 

Upon Its face and on its clothes 

Are sprinkled briny tears, 
Which fell like rain drops, while she prayed 

That all the coming years 
Would save her child from such distress 

As wrung its mother's heart, 
When forced by utter helplessness 

From her first-born to part. 
What untold anguish caused those tears! 

How rapidly they fell — 
Betraying by their overflow 

A grief no tongue can tell. 
No artist's brush could ever paint 

Such poignancy of grief, 
No human lips could utter words 

To ofive her soul relief. 
"O God!" she cried in her despair, 

" How can I leave my child.? 



I02 WELDED LINKS. 

With contumely I am hissed, 

My brain seems turning wild ; 
And love has changed to serpents' stings, 

Which mock me in my woe; 
And women shun me in my path, 

As something vile and low. 
Life's sweetest pleasures on my lips 

Hang heavy, like a pall. 
Oh ! why, like Hager, am I left 

In abandonment to fall? 
And, like her, cast my child away, 

Beyond a mother's care? 
My only offering of love ! 

My God ! in mercy spare. 
Oh, spare me from this bitter cup, 

This draught of deepest woe, 
Which falls like ice upon my heart, 

And freezes every flovv^ 



THE FOUNDLING. I O^ 

Of life's warm, gushing, crimson tide: — 

Upon my frenzied soul 
It casts a cloud as dense and dark 

As did o'er Calvary roll." 
And then, upon her bended knee. 

With babe clasped to her breast, 
Oh ! how she plead with God in Heaven, 

In anguish and unrest, 
That He who feeds the raven's young, 

And hears them when they cry, 
Would not desert her darling child. 

But would be ever nigh. 
And then, ah ! then, how tremblingly 

She turned her wearied quest, 
Where little foundlings have a home. 

And here's another guest. 



I04 



WELDED LINKS. 



THREE LINKS— RESIGNATION, FAITH 
AND HOPE. 



IS as the good angels would have it, 
God knoweth and doeth what's best, 



"^K And from the dark waves which engulf us 
We'll pfather sweet comfort and rest 



Deep down in the ocean of sorrow 
Lie hidden full many a goal ; 

We may from Gethsemane borrow 
Rare jewels, as priceless as souls. 



There flows with the blood and the water. 
Which gush from humanity's side, 

Such truths as we only may gather 

When the thong and spear are applied. 



THREE LINKS RESIGNATION, FAITH AND HOPE. IO5 

The wine press which mangles and crushes 
Each feeling and thought, as it rolls. 

Distils, in its richest profusion, 
The sweetest aroma of souls. 

The thorns which imprint on our foreheads 

The stamps of unutterable vvoe, 
Are signets and seals of our Master, 

Whose love never ceases to flow. 

And the cross which all men must carry, 

However so early or late, 
Is a signal sent to them from Heaven, 

And a pass at death's beautiful gate, 



I06 WELDED LINKS. 




TO MASONRY. 

^^S^E noble men, Free Masons, 
^ir So staunch, and true, and tried. 
Your faith is founded on the Word 
Which good men ne'er deride. 

Yours is the faith of Abraham, 
Whose precepts were divine ; 

And all the teachings of your faith 
Are squared by plumb and Ime, 

'Twas in the old Jerusalem 
Your Craft was first made known ; 

Your members then were sons of toil, 
Hewers of wood and stone.. 



TO MASONRY. 1 07 

Still later was your Craft confirmed 

By the famous council Troyes ; 
Who, in their wisdom, understood 

Your grand and holy laws. 

Then on your altars there was laid 

A holy, sacred volume; 
In it is found your rules of faith, 

Whereon rests every column. 

Then, with foundations firm and strong 

Your columns all upholding, 
Still build upon the Book of books, — 

God's sacred truths unfolding. 

The corner-stones of nations all, 

Bearing exalted name, 
Are laid within your mighty Craft, — 

Their principles the same. 



I08 WELDED LINKS. 

The churches of the nations, 

Whatever be their name, 
Cannot excel, in all their good, 

The glory of your fame. 

Your hands reach out o'er all the land. 
To help a needy brother ; 

While every orphaned child is thine, 
And every widowed mother. 

Your bonds of faith, insep'rable, 
Bind each one to the other; 

And you have yet another tie, 

More strong than that of brother. 

It wards off sad, impending fate, 
And shields when can't another ; 

This is the tie that binds more strong 
Than brother unto brother. 



TO MASONRY. IO9 

It makes the dark skin as the white ; 

The Jew and Gentile brother; 
Here likewise meet the friend and foe, 

And, meeting, love each other. 

Then, with foundations firm and strong, 

Your base, God's holy volume. 
Still build upon the Book of books, 

On it rests every column. 



I lO WELDED LINKS. 



RETROSPECTION AND ANNUNCIATION. 




HAT are all life's joys and sorrows? 



MH^ What are all its griefs and pains ? 
What are all its disappointments? 

What its treasures? What its eains? 



Short lived moments, quickly passing, 
Days, that change them into night ; 

Hours of pleasure change to sadness, 
Darkness supersedes the light. 

Hopes lie withered, hearts are bleeding; 

Brightest prospects quickly fade ; 
Thorns are strewn along our pathway; 

Clouds the brightest sunshine shade. 



RETROSPECTION AND ENUNCIATION. Ill 

But a morn of bright awak'ning, 
Where immortelles deck hill and glade, 

Dawns on our expectant vision, 

Flow'rs bloom there and never fade. 

There we gain life's compensation, 

Sorrows are exchanged for joy ; 
Hopes once withered bloom in beauty, 

Pleasures tasted never cloy. 

In that home is life's fruition ; 

Rainbow tints each cloud becurl ; 
And each drop of heart blood anguish 

There becomes a shining pearl. 

Crippled age returns to manhood, 

Steps once feeble now are strong; 
Health and beauty crown each forehead, 

Sobs of sorrow change to song. 



I I 2 WELDED LINKS. 

Hallelujahs now re-echo 

All alonpf the soundinof shore 

Mortals catch the revibration, 
Welding links forevermore 



WOMAN. 113 



WOMAN. 




HAT, indeed, art thou, O Woman? 
vv/^./3: Heart with tender fibres strung; 



#^ Love enduring, never failing, 

Though thy soul with sorrow's wrung. 



Though thy prospects all are faded, 
And thy hopes each one decay. 

Thou dost bring thy votive offering. 
Where hope's smouldering ashes lay. 

Though dishonor crown man's forehead. 

He who should thy glory be, — 
Thou wilt even bear his burthen, 

Never asking to be free. 



114 WELDED l^INKS. 

Through life's youth and bloom of summer, 
Through life's bitter sleet and snow, 

Thou dost follow man's meanderings — 
Where he leads thou'lt trusting go. 

Thou art seen In gory battle, 
Thou art seen on ocean's main, 

In thy woman's fond endeavor 
Brother, lover to regain. 

Glorious woman, wife and mother, 
Truest love thy soul doth bear ; 

Never shrinking from thy duty, 
Bearing patiently thy care. 

Thou art found, oh, faithful woman. 
Where the fever's scorching pain 

Drinks up all of health and beauty, 
Making mad the burning brain. 



WOMAN. I I 5 

There with hand botli soft and gentle, 

Ministering with kindly touch, 
Man doth bless thee as an angel : — 

And, oh woman, thou art such. 

In thy home, dear, priceless woman. 
Thou art man's chief help and friend ; 

Thou dost make of life an Eden, — 
This thy mission, purpose, end. 

Thou art chosen, gentle woman. 

By thy unexampled form, 
As the mother of the Nations, — 

Thou wast not for contest born. 

But should misfortune call thee forth, 

To stem life's stormy sea, 
In noble deeds, or works, or faith, 

Thou wilt not wanting be. 



Il6 WELDED LINKS. 

"Excelsior" thy motto, then, 

O woman, doubly crowned, 
For in thy perfect womanhood 

Man's noblest gifts abound. 

All that's good, and pure, and holy, 

Finds embodiment in thee ; 
In thy being there is blended 

Perfect love and trinity, 

Noblest mission ever given, 
Seraphs not so regal crowned 

As art thou, oh, peerless woman, — 
Heaven hath not thine equal found. 

In thy soul, O matchless woman, 
Thou hast fascinating charms ; 

And their power wields stronger weapons. 
Than man's ballot, or his arms. 



NIGHT. ] 1 



NIGHT. 



-Bf^lf OW Pfentlv fall the shades of nig^ht 
iji^^-^ In glimmering rays of softened light ! 
W How spreads her mantle, cool and pale, 
I O'er mountain tops and pastoral vale ! 

How lull the weary ones to rest 
Beneath the shadows of her breast ! 
How woos the world at day-light's close 
'Neath coverlets of sweet repose ! 

How hurries home on laden wing 
The bee, who sweetest treasure brings, 
Culled from many a shrub and flower, 
From willow glade and forest bower ! 



I I 8 WELDED LINKS. 

How cattle, after evening's meal, 
'Midst gathering shadows slowly kneel, 
To chew again their midnight cud, 
While jeweled stars the heavens bestiid ! 

How men to homes or haunts repair! 
While crouching wild beasts from their lair 
Steal softly forth to prowl for prey, 
Till night glides far from wak'ning day. 

How women turn from anxious care 
To closets where they bow in prayer ! 
Or o'er the narrow trundle-bed 
Ask blessinofs on some flaxen head! 



£>' 



How laughing childhood goes to rest 
Pillowed upon its mother's breast ! 
With feeble step how age retires 

Unsatisfied with life's desires ! 



NIGHT. 119 

How sleeping birds on boughs doth swing 
With heads concealed 'neath folded wing ! 
Or, sitting on some new-made nest, 
Fold tender fledgelings to their breast ! 

How crickets chirp with joyful glee 
'Neath hanging boughs on bending tree ! 
How frogs sing out their hoarser note 
From marshy bogs where lilies float ! 

How sweet, night's cool, refreshing air ! 
How glisten dew-drops, pure and fair, 
On blades of grass and tender flower ! — 
Bright jewels of the midnight hour ! 

'Tis thus the night is whiled away, 
Till morn comes ush'ring in the day; 
When men arise to meet life's fray, 
Women to work, and watch, and pray. 



120 WELDED LINKS. 



CAST YOUR BREAD UPON THE WATERS. 




;,AST your bread upon the waters; 
^^^ They are winding to the sea, 



Sif And with human souls are freighted, 



K 



Destined for Eternity. 

Cast your bread upon the waters. 
Sow your costly, richest grain ; 

In the soul's eternal store-house 
'Twill be gathered up again. 

Cast your bread upon the waters, 

Dry the tear from childhood's eye, 

Speak a gentle word of comfort 
To the beggar passing by. 



CAST YOUR BREAD UPON TIIP: WATERS. 121 

Cast your bread upon the waters, 

Hear the outcast's awful moan ; 
Down into their depths of sorrow, 

Let your love be freely sown. 

Benisons of souls in anguish 

Shall ascend to Heaven's high dome ; 
When the Master says, "Come higher," 

They'll be written on His throne. 

Oh! the bread shall all be gathered ; 

For there's not so barren ground 
But that, if the seed be planted. 

There shall be a harvest found 

To the widow and the orphan, 

Wheresoe'er distress is known, 
Be it in the gilded palace. 

On tlic wavside or the throne, 



122 WELDED LINKS. 

Be it clothed In purple vestments, 
Or in rags on child of shame, 

Every word that giveth comfort 
Is the bread and golden grain. 

And the spikenard and the ointment, 

Which to use were thought not meet, 

They were far less costly offerings 

Than the tears which washed His feet. 

And the widow with her offering, 
Though it be an humble mite, 

It shall be of greater value 
Than the sacerdotal rite. 

And the man who loves his neighbor, 
Be he e'er so rich or poor. 

He shall surely find acceptance 
As a good and faithful doer. 



CAST YOUR BREAD UPON THE WATERS. 1 23 

And the Book wlicrcin is judgment, 

Which the final die shall cast 
That shall gauge our hell or Heaven, 

\\'ill be the retrospective past. 

Each one's soul shall be the angel 

That records the deeds he's done ; 

And so legibly be written, 

They shall live though fades the sun. 

Yes, the Book of Life shall open, 

It shall be the living soul ; 
And each page, whereon is written, 

Will be a true and faithful scroll. 

Mountains then shall fail to hide us, 

Subterfuge to fitly screen ; 
Honest, earnest soul-endeavor 

Alone can wash the spirit clean. 



124 



WELDED LINKS. 



SOLAR RAYS. 



1;^^!^ 



m 



V 



y"iN 



^ 



HY rays in streams of gladness 
Make rich the desert place, 

And spread a floral off'ring 

Where reigned a barren waste. 



They scent the sweet forget-me-not, 
The violet, and the rose ; 

They paint the humble dew-drop ; 
The lilies' charms disclose. 



They spread a blush of beauty, 
To cover nature's mould ; 

And in their warm embraces 
The grace of love enfold. 



SOLAR RAYS. 1 25 

They quivered in the verdure 

That clothed the forest wild ; 
And shone upon the rainbow 

When first its promise smiled. 

They send abundant fragrance 

Through every flow'ry plain ; 
They ride upon the morning air, 

And clothe the rip'ning grain. 

They robe the royal heavens 

With variegated light ; 
And, through the pale-faced lunar orb, 

Dispel the shades of night. 



126 



WELDED LINKS. 



DECORATION DAY. 



m 



>^jf 



l^PREAD garlands of pansies and roses 
\m'i^ O'er the graves where our dead soldiers lay ; 
A^ For them build a temple of mourning, 
And a shrine which shall never decay. 

The Nation with turmoil was riven, 
While death threatened in every throe ; 
The heart of the people was bleeding. 
And their ensign was trailing- in woe. 



Then came to the front these defenders, 
In the strength of their manhood and pride ; 
How bravely they fought our dread battles! 
Oh ! how fearlessly struggled and died ! 



DECORATION DAY. ^-7 

They heard the fierce shriek of the battle, 
The wild scream of the grape-shot and shell : 
Yet, dauntless, they marched to the conllict, 
To the field where they valiantly fell. 

Then give your fresh garlands of roses, 
Weave a chaplet for every head. 
The Nation with homage is bending 
O'er the graves of her Patriot Dead. 

We owe them the deepest oblations ; 
'Tis a debt we never can pay ; 
Then spread your fresh garlands of roses 
O'er the graves where their pale ashes lay. 

These flowers, how well they're befitting ! 
Cut off in the full bloom of their pride ; 

Like the boys whose graves they embellish. 

Ere the morrow they, too, shall have died. 



128 WELDED LINKS. 

But what of the brav^e ones who've fallen 
Where the battle was fiercest, and hot ! — 
Whose graves are unmarked by a headstone ! 
Shall sweet florals for them be forgot ? 

For them weave your amaranth flowers, 
Twine your crosses with fair immortelles ; 
For them ring your last parting salute 
In the chime of your musical bells. 



DEDICATED TO THE AUTHOR OF TEUCHSA GROXDIE. I 29 




■:^x^i^ 



DEDICATED TO THE AUTHOR OF 
TEUCHSA GRONDIE. 

■MMORTAL Bard! thy pen of fire 
iHow well hath told of Indian ire ! 
How well proclaimed his love and hate, 
Y His passion wild, insensate ! 

How well thou hast his story sung ! 
As thouofh thine own were Indian tonirue. 
How deep the quaff thy soul hath drunk. 
Nor from his passions base hath shrunk! 

His tomahawk and scalping knife, 

The war whoop and the festal strife, 

The blazing- fagot's fearful tlanie, 

The white man's dread and Indian's shame,- 



130 WELDED LINKS. 

All these thy pen hath painted clear. 
The hunt, the chase for antlered deer, 
The harvest moon with fields of corn, 
And squalid huts where scalps adorn. 

Yea, of the wild, unlettered race. 
Thy pen, O Bard, with skilful trace 
Hath sketched his record full and clear ; 
His hope, his hate, his love, his fear. 

The happy hunting ground hath found, 
Where Bison, Bear, and Elk abound. 
And streams replete with finny tribe, — 
The blooming maid and blushing bride. 

Yea, each of these thy pen hath traced ; 

Its record time cannot efface ; 

'Tis writ in many a purple flood 

Of manhood's, and of youthful blood. 



CHANGING SEASONS. I3I 



CHANGING SEASONS. 



w 



HE rolling years rush swiftly by ; 

The seasons, how they change ! 
From sear hoar-frost and wintry air, 
The spring comes forth with violets fair, 

Beneath the chilling snow. 

And spring glides on to summer skies 

Beneath whose burning sun 
The little dew-drop folds its eve, 
The tuup droops, and rose buds die, 
Soft grasses curl and fade : 

And summer lengthens out her days 

To autumn's richest sheen, 
Where rainbow colors deck the glade, 
And forests blooni in many a shade 
Of red, and oreen, and Qrold. 



132 WELDED LINKS. 

Then autumn crowds its onward way 

To winter's chilling breast, 
Where beauty lies in ice-bound shrouds 
Let down from frosty, fleecy clouds ; 
'Tis Nature's funeral day. 



PROVERB. 

They who do no wrong 
Fear no evil. 



TO A PANSY. i3j 



TO A PANSY. 



T^m BEAUTIFLU. pansy, 
■>^.4 With your purple and o-old, 
^M How marvelous the grace, 
I Which your face doth infold ! 

How sweetly you tell me, 
That 'tis wisdom and truth. 
Which is clothing- your life 
With the freshness of youth. 
O delicate pansy, 
With a modesty rare, 
You are hiding )our face 
In bright velvet so fair. 



134 WELDED LINKS. 

Sure, God in His wisdom 
Has given you a kiss, 
With fragrance so luscious 
That it woos unto bliss, 
Where'er its pure touches 
Dispense on the air 
Such perfume as Heaven 
Alone can prepare. 



O pansy, dear pansy. 

How I blush to behold 

Your sweet modesty clothed 

In such purple and gold ; 

A prouder adorning 

Ne'er graced king^dom or throne. 

Than those which the Father 

In your vestments has shown. 



TO A PANSY. 135 

But tell me, dear pansy, 

In that beautiful land. 

Beyond the dark river 

Of life's swift llowing strand. 

Shall I meet you again 

In lovely array ? 

With bud, and with blossom, 

For ever and aye ? 

Oh ! I know )ou will live 
On that beautiful shore, 
Where roses and pansies 
Will bloom ever more ; 
For Heaven will be brighter, 
Yes, more dear and more fair. 
If pansies, dear father, 
And sweet roses are there. 



136 WELDED LINKS. 




NEVER FAILING GUIDE. 



t T WAS in the gloomy garden ; 
■,^^ Bitter tears were freely shed, 

And the gentle dews of midnight 
Fell upon the weeper's head. 

And those tears have thrilled creation 
With their majesty and awe ; 

For such wondrous love and pity, 
Nor men nor angels ever saw. 

He has heard my cry of anguish, 
He has heard my bitter wail. 

He has beaten back the tempest. 

When too strong has blown the gale. 



NEVER FAILING GUIDE. 1 37 

When my soul stood all deserted, 

Then this Friend to me was near ; 

He has felt each wave of sorrow, 
He has seen each bitter tear. 

Yes, indeed, this Friend has loved me, 

Been a never failing Guide ; 
And His angel guards attend me 

Whatsoe'er my steps betide. 

See His wonders in creation — 

Change of seasons, day and night : 

See the earth to give me nurture, 
And the sun to irive me liLrht. 

See the flora of His kingdom, 

Varied as the stars above ; 
See the fruit and vegetation ! 

i\ll these tell me, " God is love." 



WELDED LINKS. 

And the course of many waters 

Filled with life of varied form ; 

And the cool, and shady forest 
Resonant with birds of song ; 

And the gentle, pearly dew-drop 

Falling from its height above : — 

All were made by His good pleasure 
To reveal a Father's love. 

Yes, Indeed, this Friend has loved me, 
Stamped me with His signet ring, 

Put a crown upon my forehead. 

Calling me, " Child of a King," 

Fitted up a mansion for me. 

Frescoed all its walls with stars ; 

And I see His royal vestments 
In the rainbow's tinted bars. 



AN ONLY SON. 1 39 



AN OXLY SON. 



"T^r'M SAD to-niofht, I must have rum ! 
|itg?i^Let's see how many years have flown, 



JJ^ Since first I tipped the flowing bowl, 



f An 



d drank such ruin to my soul. 



Ah ! then I was a gay young lad : 
No grief, remorse or sad despair 
Had swept into my )-outhful soul ; 
And yet I drained the flowing bow! 

I drank for joy, I drank for glee, 
I drank when others drank for me, 
Because it was the social bowl, — 
The flow of reason, feast of soul. 



I40 WELDED LINKS. 

And then I drank to pass the time, 
As merry rang the tinkling dime ; 
The joke passed round, and then began 
The ruin of an only son. 

I'm but a wreck, a drunken sot ! 
By friends despised, perhaps forgot ! 
My gold, 'tis in the rum-shop tills, 
To pay for rum and whisky bills. 

Ah ! can I, must I yet drink rum? 
I, a poor mother's only son ! 
And drive her down with whitened hair 
And trembling form to sad despair. 

No, no ! I'll break the galling chain 
That binds the reason, soul and brain ; 
I'll dash away the cursed bowl 
Which blights the body and the soul. 



AN ONLY SON MaXIM. I4I 

And then, perhaps, her smile will come, 
As mother sees her only son 
Is saved from whisky's awful brink, 
Where many boys in ruin sink. 



MAXIM. 



Unkind words are the implements 
Which dig graves in the human heart, 
Wherein are deposited the ashes 
Of love's funeral pyre. 



142 



WELDED LINKS. 



NOTHING BUT ASHES. 



J ^Q'^iTi:^ !'/ 



r^ 



lOTHING but ashes! 
The roses decay, — 
Their beautiful bloom 
Soon fades away, 
And leaves 
Nothing but ashes. 



Not*hInor but ashes ! 

Oh memory, how sweet ! 
Its mystical charms 

Are laid at our feet, 
And yield 
Nothlnof but ashes. 



NOTHIiXG BUT ASHES. 143 

Nothing but ashes ! 

And is there no rest 
For wearisome care 

Which rankles the breast, 
And leaves 
NothincT but ashes? 

o 

Nothing but ashes! 

For hopes and for fears, 
For joys and sorrows 

Which make up our years, 
Is there 
Nothing but ashes ? 

Nothincr but ashes 

On which to recline ! 
For famishingr hearts 

And souls that repine, 
Is there 
Nothinor but ashes ? 



144 WELDED LINKS. 

Nothings but ashes ! 

For prodigal son, 
Or Magdalen's heart 

Which anguish has wrung, 
Is there 
Nothing but ashes ? 

Nothing but ashes ! 

Has memory's chain 
No link which exists 

Beyond this refrain ? 
Is life 
Nothing but ashes ? 

Nothing but ashes ! 

On which to bridp^e o'er 
The dark flowing strand 

To Eternity's shore, 
Is there 
Nothing but ashes ? 



NOTHING BUT ASHES. 145 

Nothing but ashes ! 

Life's roseate hue 
Fades on the lips, 

Is subtle as dew, 
And leaves 
Nothinor but ashes. 

Nothing but ashes ! 

And is there no charm 
Which shall the dark tomb 

Of terror disarm ? 
Is there 
Nothing save ashes ? 

Nothing but ashes ! 

The Crown and the Cross, — 
Shall these be accounted 

As idle, as dross, 
Which yield 
Nothing but ashes ? 



146 WELDED LINKS. 

Nothing but ashes ! 

Dear Father above, 
Thy boundless compassion, 

Thy fullness of love 
Turneth 
Never to ashes. 



FIRST GREAT CAUSE. 1 47 







FIRST GREAT CAUSE. 



O, ASK the tiniest blade of grass, 

Fresh from its mother earth, 
Whence came the germ from which it sprang 

From cliaos into birth. 

Then ask the violet's velvet face, 

Arrayed in beauty fair, 
How was it that her colors came, 

Wrought out by earth and air. 

The violet lifts her wondrous face 

Toward the ether blue, 
While deeper paints the purple flood 

Her velvet tissues through. 



148 WELDED LINKS. 

Next, ask the freshly budding rose 
With offering- of perfume, 

Whence came her lovely, blushing face, 
Her foliage, bud and bloom. 

How silently she speaks to us, 

With breath of sweet perfume : — 

" God having touched the virgin earth, 
Gave me my bud and bloom." 

Go to the ocean's briny main, 

Tossed on the billowy deep,- 

And ask his ever-changing tides, 

Who doth his boundaries keep. 

The swelling ocean from his depths 
An answer doth proclaim : — 

"Jehovah walks amidst the deep. 
And binds the raging main." 



FIRST GREAT CAUSE. 1 49 

Ask of the winds whose hoarser notes 

Doth cause man's soul to quail, 
How gentle zephyrs cease to be, 

And awful storms prevail. 

The zephyr whispers to the sea ; 

The sea gives back a moan : — 
" God hath unchained his awful steed, 

And hence the dread cyclone." 

If thou can'st climb the starry heights 

Go ask the God of day : — 
Whence million orbs pursue their course, 

Nor ever lose their way. 

lie answers through his burning rays 

Of dazzling splendor bright : — 
" God marketh out our every way. 

And leads us in the night." 



150 WELDED LINKS. 



SABBATH. 



f^^OFT and gentle as a zephyr 
^^^l' Borne on summer's balmy air, 

Comes the hallowed Sabbath morning, 
Dissipating all my care. 



For its quiet, sacred musings 
Bring with it a joy divine ; 

And I get of heaven a foretaste, 
Bowinor at the Master's shrine. 




fe> 



I can look beyond the portals, 

Hear the music of the spheres, 

Hear the anthem and the chorus 

Resonant through all the years. 



SABBATH, 151 

I can hear loud hallelujahs 

As they chime from shore to shore ; 
Mortals stand within the gate-way, 

Aneels brido^e the chasm o'er. 



152 WELDED LINKS. 



NOTHING LOST. 




H, who can tell 



^^^^ The first great cause ? 

Or who the mystery solve 
From whence the mighty worlds come forth, 

What law observes them all ? 
How swings each one in empty space 

In its revolving sphere? 
No jar nor discord with them all ; 

For law supreme is here. 
We may not solve this wondrous power, 

From whence or how it came ; 
For man is finite — this alone 

Infinity can explain. 



NOTHING LUST. 

Or can the earthen vessel say 

By whom or how 'twas wroug^ht ? 
Nor yet can mortal man explain 

God's purposes or thought. 
Yet, sure it is, a First Great Cause 

Has fashioned at His will. 
Our very nature in a mold, 

B)' His infinite skill. 
As not an atom e'er is lost 

In all created things, 
Shall man declare that he alone 

Of all God's mighty works, 
Can find some spot 
Where God can not 

His conscious being bring? 
What though we burn on funeral pyres, 

Or sink beneath the sen, 



153 



154 WELDED LINKS. 

Yet, in the Great Creator's thought, 

Our being still shall be 
A part and parcel of the whole 

Which makes eternity. 
And if the body which we see 

Can never be destroyed, 
What of the better part of man, 

The image of the Lord ? 
This thing which thinks is matter, too, 

An indestructible part, 
And is of the Creator's works 

His master-piece of art. 



THE SERPENT OF THE STILL. 



155 



THE SERPENT OF Tlir: STILL. 



^vwi<! 



m 



HE foamino- bowl ! 



. .^. ^The accursed bowl, 
■■^ The demon of the still ! 
I A mortal pang 

Ls in its fan^r; 
It fascinates to kill. 



Yes, it enslaves ; 

It never saves 
The victims of the still. 

It puts a ban 

On every man 
Who feeds the rum-shop's till. 



156 WELDED LINKS. 

It scatters death 
In many a home — 

This monster of the still. 
Its greedy maw 
Defies the law 

And murders whom it will. 

A mother's joy, 
A father's pride, 

This Demon of the still 
Has slain them by 
A thousand score : 

His license is to kill. 

He threatens now 
Our government 

With his Satanic sting : 
Our statesmen bow 
Low at his feet ; 

For Bacchus is their king. 



THE SERPENT OK THE STILL. 1 57 

Then, rally ! yc 

Who love your homes, 
And save your country's cause ! 

Nor let the friends 

Of Bacchus make 
Our Governmental laws. 

Rally on each 

Election day ! 
Bring out your forces strong, 

And put to flight 

The drunken hosts 
That round Kine Bacchus throncj ! 



& 



Then, we shall have 

A Government 
Of which to proudly boast : 

Nations and men 

Will chant her praise 
From East to Western coast. 



158 



WELDED LINKS. 



RUM AND ITS VICTIMS. 



' ^^jjsi^M 



I^^EE staggering hosts of drunkards ! 

\:^k i ^^^^^ homes or squalor and woe, 

Their wives sad creatures of sorrow, 
Whose anguish God only can know. 



Their children avoided by others, 
Sad subjects of scorn or of fun, 
Their father's a jest for the buffoon, 
Miserable victims of rum. 



The reehng form of the drunkard — 
His mind, 'tis beclouded with rum ; 
His reason lost in the wine cup ; 
Hopes of both soul and body undone. 



RUM AND ITS VICTIMS. I $9 

See the appallinij;' procession ! 
Their ay;ony, woe, and their tears. 
See th' hHghted hopes of their victims, 
The misery crownin^;' their years. 

The cupboard guihless of comfort, 
The walls that are bare and th' floor, 
The grief that looks out from th' window, 
The wolf that stands gaunt at th' door. 

The wife, sad creature of sorrow, 
With her children hungry for bread ; 
The pallet of straw in the corner, 
Their only excuse for a bed. 

Oh ! could I but paint these tor you 
With the nights of watching and pain, 
Wh(M-i th' wife in her anguish sought )'ou, 
In the cold, in the sleet, and the rain. 



lOO WELDED LINKS. 

Shiv'ring with chill at the corner 
While anxiously waiting for you, 
Her orarments clunof to her fio-ure 
Bespangled with fresh-fallen dew. 

See the complete desolation, 
The ruin which round them befell ; 
No promise of cheer for the drunkard ; 
In his life the torments of hell. 

Manacles forged for his body, 
And manacles forged for his soul. 
Manacles forced for his freedom 
Debar him from life's fairest goal. 

Think of this then, O my brother — • 
Think of this, humanity's friend — 
Think of the sorrow and anguish 
Your ballot to households may send. 



RUM AND ITS VICTIMS. l6l 

Think of the wild storm of sorrow 
Of th' \-ictim whom rum hath beguiled ! 
Tlunk of the grief of his mother, 
Oh, think of the grief of his child ! 

See them in the night's sad watches 
As they wait for the late one's return ; 
See them as they watch at the wicket 
For their husband, brother, or son. 

The fire burns low on the hearth-stone, 

And the oil burns low in the lamp ; 

Still at the wicket they're watching, 

Till their garments hang limp with th' danij). 

The light is burning o'er yonder ; 
One by one the customers go : 
Some are pale with a drunken pallor. 
Some are flushed with a ruby glow. 



l62 ■ WELDED LINKS. 

Hark ! there's the sound of a foot-fall, 
The unsteady step as it comes ; 
'Tis a raving, stagg'ring maniac — 
This ! this is the victim of rum. 

Tell me, O Christ, my Redeemer, 
Thou more than brother or friend. 
Is there no hope for the drunkard. 
No solace Thy gospel can send ? 

No mighty power in Thee to save 
Th' rum-enslaved from a drunkard's grave ? 
No power to stay death's tidal flow, 
Which surges in the ruby glow ? 

Angels drape their wings to behold 
Th' barter of souls for glittering gold. 
And wing their way with mournful sigh 
Wherever wretched drunkards die. 



RUM AND ITS VICTIMS. l6 

A future, dark, breaks on their view 
When falls death's pale and leaden hue ; 
Their souls are lashed before their God 
With conscience's unrelenting rod, 

O deep remorse, how sharp the sting 
An outraged conscience memories bring! 
How deep the wail, what bitter grief ! 
No Siloani's pool affords relief. 

In deep despair they turn away 
Where hope scarce yields a gilded ray. 
And this their agonizing cry : 
Behold, how wretched drunkards die ! 

And back to Heaven they send a wail 
Which doth the powers of rum assail ; 
There, a righteous judgment's given — 
That rum hath robbed these souls of Heaven. 



J 



164 WELDED LINKS. 

O mad'ning- rum ! what hast thou done ? 
Murdered father, brother and son, 
Deluged the world with black'ning crime, 
Trailing- thy form through th' ruby wine. 

Oh, the rum, the accursed rum ! 
The sun turns pale at th' work you've done, 
And night's stars blush with crimson hue. 
While th' heavens shed tears in oHst'nino- dew. 



WOMAN S WORK. 



i6s 



WOMAN'S WORK. 









HEN rocked the earth midst decp'ning gloom, 
? And darkness veiled the sacred tomb, 
Obscuring earth and sky, 
Then woman, like an angel, went 
As if by heavenly influence sent 
Her Lord to glorify. 



Thus woman's work has always been 
Where'er there's woe, or want, or sin, 

To comfort and to save ; 
The last to linger round the bier, 
And oft returns to sprinkle tears 

Upon the lonely grave. 



1 66 WELDED LINKS. 

Her husband's heart she'll fortify, 
And shape the mold in which the die 

Of childhood's life is cast. 
She weaves round home a magic charm, 
And by her thrift and smile disarms 

The power of adverse blasts. 

Her work is not, as man's, intent 
Old forms and laws to circumvent. 

And set the world aright. 
She reigns at home a regal queen ; 
Her law of love is all supreme, — 

And this is woman's might. 

The home is where the battle's strife 
For or against the Nation's life 

Is fouo^ht with silent tread. 
Then let your holy mission be 
To set your sons and daughters free 

From rum's influence dread. 



woman's work. 167 



This work belongs to woman's hand, 
No other power can stay or stand 

Against its mighty wave. 
Then, sisters, rally and be true ! 
Your sons and daughters look to you 

Their heritaLie to save. 



t> 



Not with a frown, and chilling look, 
Nor man, nor angel e'er will brook 

Censorious scathing plan. 
But with love's mighty power to win, 
You may redeem the home from sin, 

And save poor erring man, 

A kindly look, a cheering word 

Nor yet was seen, nor yet was heard. 

But had a power divine. 
The laws may all be set aright, 
By woman's will, and woman's might, 

If love doth these combine. 



I 68 WELDED LINKS. 




RUM-SELLER. 



I OT rum alone shall bear the curse 
^ Which thy traffic doth to man disburse ; 
Thou hast scattered tares, and death hath sown 
rp In the souls of those God called His own. 

That fair, young boy, a mother's pride. 
By your direful trade a drunkard died ; 
And that household draped in awful woe 
Is a curse which from your rum-shops flow. 

That father, by the road-side drunk, 
That brother, in debauchery sunk. 
That pale young wife with tearful face. 
Bowed with the shame of man's disgrace, 



RUM-SELLER. I69 

That mother's agonizing heart, 
Her trembhng fear, her sudden start 
As she hears her boy's leaden step, 
When vigils late at night she kept ; 

When his reeling form came stagg'ring in, 
Debauched with rum and steeped in sin, — 
All these, rum-seller, will be arra^'cd 
To curse the awful traffic of your trade. 

Nor shall excuses serve you when 

God in His justice visits men ; 

For then, rum-seller, thou shalt stand 

Wearing on thy brow the murderer's brand. 

What will avail thy hoarded gold 
Gained by the rum which thou hast sold. 
When conscience, furnace fierce, shall burn 
Where'er thy restless steps shall turn ! 



I 70 WELDED LINKS. 

When th' grave gives up her sleeping dead, 
And drunkards rise from ashen beds, 
Oh ! then, rum-seller, thou shalt feel 
A grief not heaven nor hell can heal. 

What then shall be thy deep remorse, 
When thou shalt see full many a corpse 
Rise up again, and come in flame 
To brand on thee the murderer's name. 

That little babe on famished breast. 
That mother, robbed of peace and rest. 
That father's bowed and trembling form, 
That sister's plea which thou didst scorn, 

That drunkard's agonizing woe, 
His mind bereft of reason's glow, — 
These, too, shall come in burning flame 
To witness thy remorse and shame, 



RUM-SELLER. \ y I 

What of the homes in ruin laid, 
And of the orphans thou hast made ! 
What of the prisons and the jails 
Crowded with those thou hast assailed, 

And of the festering crowd that leer, 
And stagger downward, year by year, 
To fill full sixty thousand graves, — 
The garnered crop of whisky slaves ! 

O righteous Judge ! is mercy found 
For men who have their neighbors bound, 
And shackled them with erallinor chains, 
Enslaving reason, soul, and brain ? 

Woe to the men, whose mingled drink 
Shall drive their neighbors o'er the brink 
Where hope is lost, and fell despair 
Sits crouchinor in that dreadful lair! 



172 WELDED LINKS. 




GOD IN NATURE. 

HE heavens, Thy glory, Lord, declare; 

The earth, Thy works proclaim ;" 
All nature's ruled by Thy command, 

And glorifies Thy name. 

Eternal harmony is Thine 

In heaven, and earth, and sea ; 

Thy home's throughout the realms of space, 
Thy days, — Eternity. 

Thou fadest not by length of years, 
Nor yet by age groweth old ; 

All time with Thee is as 'twere not. 
In Thee all things infold. 



GOD IN NATURE. 

Or ever worlds began, Thou wert, 
Or fade — Thou still shalt be ; 

Eternal youth is thine abode, — 
Thou fill'st immensity. 

Thy holy temple's far beyond 

The range of mortal thought ; 

From out thy Sanctuary, Lord, 
Thou hast creation brought. 

There in that fathomless abyss 
Thou walkest, Lord, alone ; 

And wheresoe'er creation is, 

Thou hast set up thy throne. 

And in the finite realm of space, 
Each grade ascending higher, 

Thou hast evolved the lumian race, 
Of which Thou art the Sire. 



/o 



174 WELDED LINKS. 

Man's heart to Thine so well attuned, 

A living, thinking lyre, 
Thou can'st within his being reign ; 

Thou dost his soul inspire. 

Upon his brain Thou did'st reflect 
The impress of thy thought ; 

And thus within man's conscious soul 
Thou hast Thyself inwrought. 

'Twas thus through organism came 
The Seraphs in their line ; 

May be it were of finer mold 

That stamped them more divine. 

What thoupfh the mold were coarse or fine. 

It changeth not thy plan ; 
Eternal life thou hast inwrought 

Throuorh intellectual man. 

o 



GOD IN NATURE. I 75 



So perfect is his heart attuned 
To that of thine own lyre, 

Thou hast in him an essence f(nmd ; 
Of earth — 'tis something higher. 

And touched by thy magnetic will, 
Responsive to thy thought, 

Blending within his finer parts, 
Thou hast thyself inwrought. 

How wondrous is thy mighty love 
In all thy works displayed ! 

In tempest, — in the tiny flower. 
Thy glory is arrayed. 

Oh ! how shall man attempt to scan 
The wisdom of thy will ? 

Whate'er of good there is — Thou art- 
May be what seemeth ill. 



176 WELDED LINKS. 

Unknown, unseen, yet all around, 

In every thing. Thou art. 
Throughout all time, throughout all space, 

Thou art the greater part. 

The pearly dew-drop is thy tear, 
Thou dost descend in rain ; 

And yet to find thy dwelling place, 
Has long been man's refrain. 

Thou look'st to us through every star, 

Thy voice is in the rill. 
It speaks to us in softest tones, 

And thunders, with it thrill. 

We see thy majesty and power 
In worlds revolving round ; 

In everything by beauty shaped 
Thy loveliness is found. 



AMERICAN SLAVES. 



177 



AMERICAN SLAVES. 




MERICAN slaves! 

How many are we 
Living on hill tops 

And down in the lea ; 
Living in valleys, 

On Ocean and Sea? 
Ten hundred-thousand 

Poor bond-men are we. 



178 WELDED LINKS. 

We suffer the blight, 

We suffer the shame, 
We feel the anguish 

Of a maddened brain. 
Yes, we suffer the taunt, 

And we feel the jeer 
Of the idle scoff 

And the smirking leer. 

And we bear it all, 

This burden of woes. 
For a curse that sparkles 

And a curse that glows, 
For a curse concealed 

In the flowing bowl, 
Wreckinof our bodies 

And blighting our souls. 



AMERICAN SLAVES. 

American slaves, 

The victims of rum ! 
There lurks in the wine cup 

The adder that stung 
Your souls "with remorse, 

And caused you to roam 
As wandering outcasts 

From friends and from home. 

Turn from its meshes, 

Its arts, and its wiles ; 
Turn from its lurements. 

Its blandishing smiles ; 
Turn from its passion 

All reeking with sin ; 
Turn from the wine-cup ! 

A serpent's therein. 



1/9 



l8o WELDED LINKS. 



U' 



IN MEMORY OF H. C. K. 



H ! THE sad, sad hours of anguish, 



^1^^ Which rent a brother's heart with woe ; 

]f Oh ! the galHng throes of sadness, 



i Which did his noble soul o'erflow. 

Crowded round his earthly vision, 
Clouds of deadly, darkest hue, 

Blotting out each ray of sun-light, 
From his spirit vision's view. 

Hope had fled from out its mansion, 
Chased away by trembling fear ; 

Angels well might weep with pity 
O'er his sad, untimely bier. 



IN MEMORY OF H. C. K. 161 

When the poor came to his notice, 
For their wants he freely gave ; 

When he needed consolation, 

Who was there to help or save ? 

Happy they, who 'scape the burdens 

Which his wearied soul had known ; 

Happy they, around whose pathway 

Flowers with fewer thorns are strewn. 

Judge him not, O erring mortals ; 

Heaven alone his jury be ; 
God discerns the secret impulse ; 

Men the outward actions see. 



1 82 WELDED LINKS. 



WOMAN'S APPEAL. 



BkOME to the front ! oh, rally, men, rally ! 
^?^ And by the ballots you each one shall cast 

Drive from our midst the fearful rum monster. 
Nor wait till another election has passed. 

Rally ! ye men who boast of proud honor. 
Rally ! ye men who have sisters and wives, 
Drive from th' nation this horrible monster 
Ere he shall destroy sixty thousand more lives. 

Rally ! ye fathers, men of the nation, 
Hear ye the call of the wounded and slain. 
Come CO the front and rescue our brothers 
Bound down in the coils of alcohol's chain. 



WOMAN S APPEAL. 



Come to the front ! ye men who wear helmets, 
On which are engraved love, mercy and truth ; 
Come ! preach down this most cursed of traffics. 
Which stings like an adder our beautiful youth. 

Come to the front ! ye noble, true-hearted. 

All ye who have borne the sorrow and grief, 

Ye whose loved ones have been stung by tli' adder. 

Come, and demand through the ballot relief ! 

Waste not your time in idle persuasion. 
Nor sit in a grief that's born of despair ; 
Rise up in your might, demand of th' nation 
Your rights which alone your wrongs can repair. 

Your prayers ! your ballots ! cast them together 
Into the scale of Justice and Right ; 
They shall o'erbalance the mightiest army 
Which right against wrong is called on to fight. 



184 WELDED LINKS. 

UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER. 

Dedicated to Mrs. Capt. Hopkins, daughter of the late Col. Baker. 

I NATURE invincible, how gloriously grand ! 
^ What wondrous formation of rock, river and strand, 
How marvelous thy teachings ; what lessons untold 
Of the ages long past thy formations unfold. 
What wonderful blending of murky and blue, 
Thy waters, Columbia, with the f Snake passing thro'. 
We gaze in our wonder as thy beauties unfold 
With their shadings of green interlaced with the gold; 
Nor wonder that Nature's wild sons of this clime 
Should see in thy presence an image divine, 
And hear in thy murmur of waters and air 
The voices of angels seraphic and fair. 

tSnake River. 




UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER. 185 

O dear land of the North, O wonderful land, 
W' ith out-stretching rivers midst gold-glinted sand, 
With mountains rugged, prolific, and grand, 
Surpassing in beauty, our homage demands. 

O beautiful rivers, Columbia and Snake, 

Near the town of Wallula thy beauties awake ; 

On the left, there's the Giant with its profile in rock 

Standing guard to the passage its beauties unlock. 

On the ricrht are the Sisters with columns now broke. 

Opposite, Crown Point is most clearly bespoke, 

" Rock-ribbed," the mountains stand back to make 

room 
For the newly wedded -for Columbia's proud groom. 
The trinity of rivers here embrace in their glee, 
Trip down to the Cascades, dance on to the sea. 
Farther up, on the river, where Tou Cannon has fame. 
There Captain Hopkins assumed Point Annetta to name. 

♦Walla Walla Riv«r. 



1 86 WELDED LINKS. 

The river's a marvel from its source to the sea, 
With towns interdotting through mountains and lea, 
Now, cities of grandeur with beauty of mien 
Surrounded by mountains and forests of green ; 
Then, hills that are barren, rock-crested, and sear. 
Where circles the eagle unmolested by fear. 

And the prairies stretch out with high, rolling land, 
Interspersed with many a swift-flowing strand. 
Farther back from the river, fields waving with grain. 
Deck richly the hillsides, the valleys, and plain. 
Farewell ! beautiful scenery, we pass from thy view. 
Farewell ! Harvest Queen, Captain Troup, and the 
crew. 



OUR COUNTRY. 



187 



OUR COUNTRY. 




^^N THE primeval morninof time, 
|;[^5^4' There Nature's quiet breast 
Lay, in its virgin solitude, 
Unbroken in its rest. 



I 



And no response from woodman's ax 
Was heard in wood or glade ; 

The soil, unbroken by the plow, 
Or by the gardener's spade. 



The hills had slept in quiet mood, 
The glade and plains among, 

No clash of warrior's arms had there 
Amidst their silence rune. 



1 88 WELDED LINKS. 

The birds, in sweetest, softest notes, 
Their melody prolonged ; 

The eagle from his dizzy height 
Shrieked out his clarion song. 

The restive bear fawned with her cubs, 

In playful, sportive glee; 
The sighing water's peaceful breast 

Rolled silvery to the sea. 

The Indian roamed in stealthy quest 
For game and antlered deer, 

While not a thought e'er stirred his breast 
That savored of a fear. 

The prairies with sweet incense fanned 

The early morning air ; 
The daintiest gifts that Nature planned 

Sent up their voiceless prayer. 



OUR COUNTRY. I 89 

Where roamed the Indian for his game 
Through glade, and forest wild, 

There now is heard the song of mirth 
From many a happy child. 

Beneath our country's pillared fame, 

A serpent's deadly coil 
Lay silent in our Roll of State, 

A monster to despoil. 

Its circling, grasping, hideous form 

Had been the people's pet, 
'Twas handled with the softest touch 

A nation's fears beget. 

But on that pyre our sacrifice. 

Undaunted, undismayed, 
By North and South, in precious lives, 

As offering was laid. 



igO WELDED LINKS. 

Convulsions shook like Sinai 
Our Country and its pride, 

Ere Justice gave the final stroke 
From which the monster died. 

Our Soldiers' Decoration Day ! 

We spread a floral pall 
On graves of North, and South alike — 

Our Country lost them all. 

Here let us bridg^e the chasm o'er 

Of fratricidal strife, 
And stronger bind the welded link * 

Which guards our Nation's life. 

Now, Freedom reigns o'er all the plains 

Throughout this vast domain ; 
The forge has turned to pruning-hooks 



What once were o-allino- chains. 



* Liberty and Equity. 



OUR COUNTRY. I9I 

Our flag- now waves in ampler folds 

On every land and sea ; 
'Midst shot and shell has reigned supreme, 

Ensign of Liberty. 

O, eagle ! rise on loftiest wing, 

Ring forth the tuneful lyre, 
Till Freedom's glorious harmonies 

Each Nation shall inspire, 

Till Liberty, as free as thought, 

In equity shall reign. 
And Truth and Science build a forge 

To weld the golden chain.* 



♦Liberty and Equity. 



192 



WELDED LINKS. 



NATURE'S OFFERING. 




HERE the leaves shall talk together 
And the answering waters sigh ; 
j^-s" Where all nature joins the choral, 
J Tiny insect, buzzing fly, — 



There the flowers ope their petals 
Looking upward to the sky, 

In their face of wondrous beauty 
Ofl^er incense well as I. 



And the lowing of the cattle 

Answering to the call amain. 

And of th' heifer by the brooklet, 
As she joins in the refrain. 



NATURES OFFERING. I93 

With her neck stretched out and upward, 
With her meek and wistful eye, 

Worships God in every impulse 
Well as you, O Saint, or I. 

Nature all joins in the anthem. 

Singes a song- least understood ; 
There's no offering half so ample 

As the wild, primeval wood. 

Sings she in her leafy branches, 

Sings she in her clustering vines, 

Offers worship in the zephyrs 

Whispering through majestic pines. 

There the silver-luted songsters 

Sing their vestal hymns of praise, 

And their worship is as grateful 

As the Psalmist's sweetest lays. 



194 WELDED LINKS. 

And the poor, unlettered Red-men, 
Wandering in ancestral wood, 

Have communings with the Father, 
With the Spirit of all Good. 

In the innocence of childhood, 

In the unheard breath of prayer, 

In the silent tear of sorrow, 

Dwells the Lord God even there. 



LITTLE LOST BOY. 1 95 




LITTLE LOST BOY. 

f LITTLE child wandered away from his home, 
I His bed was the way-side, his pillow a stone ; 
And he dreamed, as he slept on that way-side bed, 
That a little black raven had fed him with bread. 

He dreamed that an angel stood near where he lay. 
And the darkness of night fled quickly away ; 
His bed became roses, the pillow a ray 
Of brightest soft sunshine where his little head lay. 

A tear drop was glist'ning in the little boy's eye. 
The angel smiled on him, the tear became dry, 
And he saw his dear mother bend close o'er his bed. 
Yet the little boy knew that his mother was dead. 



196 WELDED LINKS. 

His garments were tattered, his little feet bare, 
And matted the locks of his long golden hair ; 
But he dreamed that he shone with a radiance bright, 
And his garments grew dazzling, and wondrously 
white. 

And his mother then touched him with a golden-like 

wand, 
And lifted her little lost son by the hand ; 
And the mother and child then wended their way — 
Over houses, and hill-tops, the earth sped away. 

And higher, still higher they rose on the air, 
Heard voices seraphic, melodious and fair ; 
And a wonderful light shone out from the throne, 
And the little boy knew he was then nearing home. 

Home! home! the anoel and mother have taken 

him home, 
No more mid sorrows, or cross-roads to roam, 



LITTLE LOST BOY. 1 97 

No more by the way-side to lie down and die, 
The Httle boy home, with his mother on high. 



MOTTO. 



Despise not the humble, the lowly, the poor, 
For he who does well is the only well-doer. 



198 WELDED LINKS. 



IS THERE NO GOD? 

} S well talk of a city's having been built without 

artisans 
As the heavens assuming their grand proportions, 
Without a Master Mechanic ; 
Or the distillation of sweet perfumes 
Without the chemist's fixtures ; 
And yet the earth is made odorous 
From mountain top to meadow lands 
And forest glades, 

By the distillation of inimitable fragrance. 
Dispensed from a laboratory as enduring as it is 
unseen. 




SOCIAL GLASS. 1 99 




SOCIAL GLASS. 



"'■"T^'VERY social glass taken is but one of the many 
steps 
In the stair-way descending to the pit ; 
And they lead on slowly but surely 
To charnel houses of woe, 
Whence none but an omnipotent arm 
May wrest therefrom. 



Then away with the bowl, 
Tis death to the soul ; 
Away with King Bacchus forever. 
We'll drink no more wine, 
'Tis bad in our time, 



200 WELDED LINKS. 

'Twas bad in the days of old Noah : 

So our drink shall be 

The water that's free, 
That courses through mountain and river ; 

It runs in the rills, 

From the tall steepled hills, 
To the bosom of ocean forever ; 

Thence rising on high, 

Forms clouds in the sky, 
And in rain-drops revisits the earth ; 

So pure drink shall be — 

Distilled from the sea, 
And not from the worm of the still ; 

For that will give pain, 

'Twill madden the brain, 
And ruin whoever doth touch it. 

" 'Twill bite like a serpent, 

Like an adder will sting;" 



SOCIAL GLASS. 20I 

'Twill ruin the home, and sorrow will bring 
To all who indulge in its use. 

Then give us the drink Jehovah hath made, 
As it ripples, and dances through forest and glade ; 
As it sports through the valley, and winds to the sea, 
Refreshing the landscape, the mountain and lea. 



202 



WELDED LINKS. 



QUERY. 




E N my words, or my deeds 
f Shall I live when I'm dead? 
Will the world be the better 
For something I've said, 
Some good to humanity given ? 



If 'tis nay, better die 

As the beasts live and die, 

Or as worms that crawl on the ground 

A breath of existence 

Like a fleck on the sky. 

The world not bettered ! 

For what was to die, 

But the shell — 

Which turns back to the ground. 



IAN 7 



